Mandalay Division

Mandalay Division falls in the Dry Zone of Central Myanmar bordering Pegu Division on the south, Magwe Division on the west, Sagaing Division on the north and Shan State on the east. Its area is 14295 square miles and its capital is Mandalay which is also the second capital of the country.

Burmans, Karens, Kayahs, Chins, Paos, Mons and Shans inhabit in Division.

The principal economy of the Division is agriculture, main crops grown being paddy, wheat, maize, groundnut, sessamum, cotton, pulses, chilli, onion, Burmese tobacco, Virginia tobacco, Mahuya sunflower and toddy palm.

In handicrafts, the Weaving School and silk weaving in Amarapura, braziers, stone carving, wood carving and goldleaf manufacturing industries are famous.

Mandalay has the Maha Myat Muni Pagoda which is a special tourist attraction. Mandalay was the capital city during the time of feudalism and the pagodas and temples of Pagan are the nation's cultural heritage.

Communications by land, water and air in Mandalay Division are good.

Places of interest

• Mandalay Palace (in last Capital of the Myanmar Kingdom)
• U Bein Bridge (long teak bridge)
• Mt. Popa -1518 m (Oasis in the dry province of Myanmar)
• Bagan Archaeological Site